The Hetch Hetchy Water System Improvement Program includes the construction of Bay Division Pipeline No. 5, a 7-mile, 6-ft. diameter, welded steel pipeline that will pass through the cities of Newark and Fremont. The pipeline will be built parallel to Bay Division Pipeline Nos. 1 and 2 and will consist of two segments: one in the East Bay and one on the Peninsula, with a new tunnel under the San Francisco Bay linking both sections.

Street crossings and permitted driveways will be restored after construction. Some residents will temporarily have limited access to their driveways during construction and they may be asked to park elsewhere. Trenches in streets will be plated over at night and during non-work hours. Residents will be notified well in advance of construction activities. Noise and dust will also be kept to a minimum.

The project promises several economic and community benefits. It ensures reliable water supply after an earthquake while bringing jobs to the community. Use of local suppliers and contractors and a local construction office in Newark translates to revenue and boosts local businesses like restaurants and coffee shops.

As part of pre-construction requirements for the project, tree-removal has been completed, potholing is also almost done. Pipeline construction is expected to begin in March 2010 and end by Spring 2012.